This blog is dedicated to parents dealing day to day...hour to hour...family gathering to family gathering...school to school with food allergies and food intolerence.

A 504 Plan in Schools for Food Allergies

When advocating for your child in the school system, food allergies are a new idea for many schools to grasp for needing a 504 Plan or an IEP or Individual Education Plan. However, food allergies do qualify for these supports. It’s just a matter of knowing your rights, what your school offers and what would be best for your child. For example, the 504 Plan is a protection plan for your child when it comes to food allergies. It really is just a part of the American with disability Act. It states that if your child meets certain qualifications and that if their food allergy is deemed a disability, then they can qualify for the 504 supports in the school system. They define disability as “"physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and diabetes; and learning problems.” This does include food allergies with the help of your child’s pediatrician. Once you meet the qualifications, you will need to request a meeting with your school and request to apply for the 504 plan. This plan will allow your child to have all the accommodations needed in the school environment that will assist them to stay on same academic and social level of their peers despite their needs associated with their food allergies. For my family, our school does not recognize the 504 Plan. Public schools do though. So, it’s a matter of finding out from your principals. I highly recommend that your family explore this option for your food allergy kiddo!.

Recommended Food Allergy Books

About Me

A parent attempting to navigate the world with children with severe food and environmental allergies. Love being a mommy,organization, trying new things, friends, family and WINE! I work in the mental health field and specifically with early childhood and attachment as well as older children. I have two blogs...one for food allergies and one for everything else. I love decorating, getting creative with my family and laughing...out loud!